Riverhead Town Prepares For Major Winter Storm: Latest Forecast, Closures, How To Prepare

RIVERHEAD, NY — A winter storm emergency has been declared in Riverhead in advance of Sunday's major snowfall.

According to Matt Wunsch, meteorologist with the National Weather Service Office in Upton, snow is expected to begin early Sunday morning and intensify very progressively throughout the day, with 1 to 2 inches of snowfall per hour expected Sunday afternoon. Moderate to potentially heavy snow will continue into the evening, he said, with widespread accumulation of 8 to 12 inches — and up to 15 inches in some spots.

In areas near the coast, snow could turn to sleet Sunday night, leading to a coating of ice on the snow, since temperatures are not expected to rise above freezing, he said.

The winter storm emergency will be in effect beginning on Saturday evening at 9 p.m. "and shall continue until the impacts of the winter storm event have abated," official said.

Residents must remove their vehicles from the street to increase the effectiveness of snow-plowing operations during the winter storm emergency. The Riverhead Police Department is authorized to impound parked or abandoned vehicles that affect the roadways during a snowstorm, officials said.

Updates

- Maureen's Haven, an organization that provides food and shelter for the area's homeless, will be providing shelter for the weekend's storm in Bridgehampton. Community members that require transportation from Riverhead to Bridgehampton will need to be at Maureen's Haven's Lincoln Street facility by 3 p.m. on Saturday, officials said.

- The Riverhead Justice Court calendar has been canceled for Monday, January 26 and all cases have been rescheduled to Wednesday, February 11.

Tips

Riverhead Town officials offered tips, including:

- Use caution when driving, reduce speed and make sure to carry a cell phone.

- Do not shovel snow into the street. "This only creates a hazard for neighbors and other motorists," officials said. "For the safety of your patrons and visitors, please remove the snow and ice from the sidewalks in front of your property."

- Check on neighbors, especially the elderly and homebound.

- Don't forget pets. Make sure they are brought inside or have shelter.

The National Weather Service added that roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will become slick and hazardous; visibility may drop below one quarter mile in heavy snow.

"Please consider delaying all travel from Sunday into Monday. If travel is absolutely necessary, drive with extreme caution. Make sure your car is winterized and in good working order. Consider taking a winter storm kit along with you, including such items as tire chains, booster cables, flashlight, shovel, blankets and extra clothing. Also take water, a first aid kit, and anything else that would help you survive in case you become stranded," the NWS said.

In case of an emergency, dial 911 or call the Riverhead Police Department at 631-727-4500.